See the surprising symptoms you may experience if you skimp on zzz's

The 10 Weirdest Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation

The 10 Weirdest Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Be honest: How many hours did you sleep last night? If you’re like 35% of Americans, then you probably got fewer than seven hours—in other words, not enough! You already know that a lack of rest can lead to exhaustion, and you may have heard it can raise your risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, because it’s associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and the thickening of blood vessels. But there are even more unexpected, negative consequences. Here, what to watch out for, and how to hit the hay earlier.

1. Weight Gain

1. Weight Gain

“Sleep deprivation slows your metabolism and increases your appetite. It also makes you crave high-fat and high-carb foods,” says Michael Breus, PhD, a psychologist and sleep disorder specialist in Scottsdale, AZ. One trick: Cut out that evening glass of wine (sorry!), because although alcohol makes you want to snooze, it actually disrupts sleep later in the night. Plus, slashing calories prevents your waistline from widening.